national 18 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
KCCA and NWSC Vow Joint Planning to Mitigate Road and Pipe Damage
Kampala's Lord Mayor has called for unified efforts between KCCA and NWSC following a personal accident linked to poorly maintained infrastructure. The two bodies have agreed to collaborate on future projects to prevent further damage to city roads and water pipes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kcca-nwsc-trade-blame-over-damaged-roads-pipes-5636872
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) have committed to collaborative planning to reduce the destruction of city roads and water infrastructure. This agreement follows a heated exchange at the NWSC’s annual performance evaluation meeting, where leaders from both institutions accused each other of hindering their respective operations.
Lord Mayor Eng. Ronald Balimwezo highlighted the severe consequences of uncoordinated utility works, recounting a personal accident where he lost a limb due to a pothole created by NWSC. “There is no reason why we don’t harmonize our services,” Balimwezo urged, calling for NWSC and other utility providers to share their construction designs with KCCA. He stressed that KCCA faces financial penalties and audit queries when utility companies delay relocating their services, even after the legally mandated 90-day notice.
Conversely, NWSC Managing Director Dr. Silver Mugisha raised concerns about KCCA’s insistence on performing water pipe relocations themselves, rather than allowing NWSC to manage its national assets. Mugisha stated that NWSC offers lists of qualified contractors, but KCCA often selects its own, leading to supervisory challenges and additional costs for NWSC.
Dr. Mugisha also pointed to inadequate urban planning as a contributing factor, forcing NWSC to lay pipes across roads in areas lacking designated reserves. He advised KCCA to incorporate utility corridors into road designs or partner with NWSC when capacity is insufficient.
The meeting, which convened district leaders nationwide, also saw commendations for NWSC’s efforts in expanding water access, with Lira City Mayor Sam Atul noting positive impacts on public health and social well-being. This new commitment to joint planning aims to streamline operations and prevent future conflicts over infrastructure development in the city.